The State Government has declared severe fires to the north of Perth a State Natural Disaster and will provide immediate financial help to people affected. On the ground in Toodyay after driving through the fire-devastated area today, Premier Colin Barnett said the fires were a tragic end to the year for many people.

GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER INDEPENDENT BLUEPRINT FOR BETTER SERVICESANNOUNCEMENT

Public Sector Management Minister Colin Barnett and Treasurer Troy Buswell released the Economic Audit Committee's Final Report 'Putting the Public First: Partnering with the Community and Business to Deliver Outcomes'.

GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER INDEPENDENT BLUEPRINT FOR BETTER SERVICESANNOUNCEMENT

Terraced gardens, a landmark building, extensive dedicated cycle paths and a lively town square are all part of exciting plans to reunite Perth and Northbridge by sinking the rail line. The final plans for The Link were unveiled today by Premier Colin Barnett and Planning Minister John Day and show the developments that will happen on the newly created vacant land above the sunken rail line.

Premier Colin Barnett and Disability Services Minister Simon O'Brien today unveiled the Liberal-National Government's vision for assisting and supporting Western Australians living with a disability. Speaking on the International Day of People with Disability, Mr Barnett said 'Count Me In - Disability Future Directions' was a 15-year strategy to tackle the challenges and barriers facing the more than 400,000 Western Australians living with a disability.

Premier Colin Barnett, on behalf of the WA State Government, passes on his sympathy to the family of Ian Thompson MP, long serving member of the West Australian Parliament and former Speaker of the House.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2011 would give Western Australia a chance to establish itself as a modern and attractive world-class destination. Premier Colin Barnett said the meeting would be the biggest event to hit Perth since the America's Cup, with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the leaders of 54 Commonwealth nations set to participate. The meeting is expected to attract about 5,000 delegates and visitors, including international media.

QUESTIONS: CHOGM 2011 TO PUT PERTH IN INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHTMEDIA CONFERENCE

Karratha and Port Hedland would become major cities of the future under a ground-breaking State Government initiative to encourage more people to live and settle in the Pilbara. Launching the 'Pilbara Cities' blueprint in Dampier today, Premier Colin Barnett said the framework was now in place to transform the region by creating modern higher density centres, supported by all the services and facilities enjoyed in other Australian cities.

Premier Colin Barnett and Environment Minister Donna Faragher comment on the findings of the Boorabbin bushfire (December-2007) tragedy findings, including the role of fire services, points of the Coroner's report, payments to families and removing restrictions for families, disciplinary action, Public Sector Reform, Department of Environment actions and recommendations, prescribed burning, and inter-agency operation.

The Liberal-National Government will reclaim Northbridge for the enjoyment of all Western Australians through strengthened policing, reduced trading hours of nightclubs and improved amenity and safety for patrons, starting November 1. Premier Colin Barnett said the State Government's approach, with the support from local businesses, was a holistic plan to improve community safety and add vibrancy to Perth.

A highly successful initiative that has seen a significant improvement in student behaviour at Carey Park Primary School will be implemented in other schools across Bunbury. The 'Choose Respect' initiative, which was introduced to Carey Park two years ago, uses a code of behaviour to develop and maintain a culture of respect.

Premier Colin Barnett and Environment Minister Donna Faragher announced details of the Camden Sound Marine Park for the protection and management of the humpback whale population at the new Camden Sound Marine Park. A key nursery of the world's largest humpback whale population is to be protected and managed as a marine park.

The opening of the $705million Kwinana Freeway extension and Forrest Highway signifies a new era for Western Australia's road network. In officially opening the State's biggest ever road infrastructure project, the Premier, Colin Barnett, and Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said the highway would significantly redefine Bunbury and the South-West's role in the future development of WA.

The Premier outlines Western Australia's economic future, which he believes will be one of 10 to 20 years of steady growth, rather than the booms and troughs of recent decades. He said long-term economic growth requires a ready workforce, one in which there would be no labour shortages and no skills shortages in relevant areas.

Premier Colin Barnett and Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney announce State Cabinet decision to build $3.7million School of the Air at Geraldton, replacing the facility at Meekatharra which was destroyed by fire.

The Premier of Western Australia today held a media conference at Governor Stirling Tower. The subjects covered included: Relations with China; Stern Hu and the different aspects to business and government of Australian and China; Charges being brought against Western Warriors cricketer Luke Pomersbach; Alannah MacTiernan's quest for a Federal seat and her continued representation in State politics; Inpex; Retail trading hours; Union membership in the mining industry; Average-speed camera trial; WA unemployment figures; Jobs WA; Four Corners episode into alleged miscarriage of justice.

The Premier of Western Australia held a media conference today at Kings Park. The subjects that were discussed were Gorgon Gas Project; Anti Social Behaviour; James Price Point; The Redress program; and State Assisted Funerals.